Questions About Constitutionality Of Special Legislative Session Raised

WBAL reports that a pair of Republican lawmakers in Maryland are raising questions about the constitutionality of this month's special legislative session, where lawmakers approved expanded gambling legislation that is now on the November ballot. Senate Minority Leader E.J. Pipkin and Cecil County Republican Delegate Michael Smigel have sent two letters to Assistant Attorney General Daniel Friedman asking for an opinion on these issues. Pipkin says, the Senate potentially violated the state constitution when senators recessed for three days, while the House of Delegates considered the gambling legislation. During the session, the Senate approved the gambling bill on August 10. Senators then left Annapolis and returned early on the morning of August 15, to approve the House version of the bill. Pipkin says the Senate cannot legally do that. Pipkin also says the ballot question that is included addresses state spending, which is not allowed under the state constitution…